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How to Break Into Cliques
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How many times has it happened that you've gone to a
club/event/concert, seen someone (for example an A&R,
vocalist, club owner etc) who you think could really help
you with your musical efforts, BUT, never got a chance to
get to know them and/or introduce yourself? I'm sure
loads...
Networking is a vital part of the music biz and most record
labels sign artists based on trusted recommendations. Of
course talent is important (and you've got our
Rap Beats to get you
noticed...) but you also need make sure your demo ends up in
the right hands...
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Have you ever gone to a networking
function and seen THE person who you feel could help you
most there, except that person is surrounded by people
ALL the time?
Have you ever tried to enter into a conversation with
that circle of people, only to have gotten the feeling
you were intruding? How do you get an audience with a
person who is constantly surrounded by "gatekeepers"?
This happens often at gatherings that do not have a
structured agenda- in other words in places where open
networking is promoted.
Here's an effective approach to meeting the person you
want to meet
Watching the people that surround your prospect will
tell you a lot about each person's connection to the
prospect. There will be people who are there as casual
acquaintances, and others who have strong ties to your
prospect. The ones with the stronger ties are usually
the most helpful in accomplishing your goal of meeting
this person. They have already built a relationship with
your prospect and can now help you begin to build one as
well.
Sooner or later, one of the people who has a strong tie
with your prospect, will leave that group. They will
head for food, drinks, or a restroom. This is your
opportunity to speak with this person away from the
group. Once separated from the group, these people are
usually very friendly and helpful, even though they were
very protective of their "space" when in the group.
Be prepared with a casual non-threatening comment about
the weather, the food, the attendance, or anything else
that is appropriate for that gathering. You will usually
get a positive response to comments of this general
variety. Also, be prepared to request an
introduction to the person you wish to meet. Something
like, "I see you know Mr. Magoo. I wonder if you would
mind introducing me to him? I would be interested in
finding out more about what he does. I might be able to
refer some work his way in the future".
Notice that this request is to meet Mr. Magoo so that
you might refer him some business and not the other way
around. You must really want to help Mr. Magoo, too, or
you won't sound sincere.
You have just told this person that you
want to help their friend, Mr. Magoo. You haven't said
that you want Mr. Magoo's help. Until you build a
relationship with Mr. Magoo, you probably won't get his
help. The first step to building that relationship, is
getting that introduction. Mr. Magoo's friend has an
opportunity to bring you and Mr. Magoo together, and Mr.
Magoo could benefit. This is a win- win situation. This
is the beginning of building a relationship that will be
mutually beneficial.
Giving before receiving- it works every time.
And now that you've been introduced?
Read on
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